Etihad Airways has launched a new Animal Welfare and Conservation Policy and an #Etihad4wildlife social media competition as part of the airline's ongoing efforts to promote wildlife conservation.

The policy establishes best practice for excursions offered by Etihad Holidays involving animals, and also outlines new criteria for the carriage of endangered and threatened species, hunting trophies containing any animal parts, shark fins, and live animals intended for use in scientific research, which will not be permitted on aircraft.

The policy also sets out commitments to the Declaration of the United for Wildlife International Taskforce on the Transportation of Illegal Wildlife Products, to which Etihad Airways became a signatory in March of this year at an official ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London. Six equity partner airlines followed suit in April and June to support efforts to prevent the growing trade in wildlife products.

To mark World Animal Day, Etihad Airways is running a social media competition until 6th October, to win a trip to Sri Lanka, including flights, hotels, tours and transfers. To be in with a chance of winning, entrants should share their best travel photos of animals in the wild using the #Etihad4wildlife hashtag on Instagram and Twitter.

Peter Baumgartner, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said, "Our airline is committed to the welfare and protection of wildlife. Our new policy has been developed over several months to minimise our ‘animal footprint’ and will ensure that we continue to meet the highest standards of animal welfare. By hosting the #Etihad4Wildlife campaign online, we also hope to raise awareness among our guests of the important issue of wildlife conservation."

On 10th October, Etihad Airways will host a discussion on wildlife within the airline industry with Will Travers, OBE, President of the Born Free Foundation and internationally renowned wildlife expert.